The morning sun beamed bright through the tall glass windows of the Dallas luxury mansion, casting long shadows across the polished marble floors.
High white walls stretched toward a grand crystal chandelier, while a framed American flag hung quietly in the background.
In the center of the spacious room sat seventy-two-year-old Eleanor, resting quietly in her wheelchair with a soft blanket draped over her lap.
Victoria Sterling, an elderly matriarch dressed in an expensive black gown and covered in sparkling diamond jewelry, stepped directly into her path.
Victoria: You shouldn't have come down here today, Eleanor.
Eleanor: My son is getting married in this house today, Victoria. I belong here.
Victoria: Look at you sitting in that unsightly chair! You are going to ruin our family photos!
Eleanor: My health is not a disgrace, Victoria. I am here to support Ethan.
Victoria: Ethan is marrying my daughter, which means this estate is practically under my management now!
Eleanor: This estate belongs to my family, and it always will.
Victoria's face twisted in pure rage, her nostrils flaring as she raised her right hand high above her head.
Victoria: HOW DARE YOU!
Her hand whipped forward, aiming a forceful slap directly at Eleanor's face.
Before her palm could make contact, a young maid in a neat black and white uniform lunged forward, catching Victoria's wrist in mid-air with a firm grip.
Daisy: I DON'T CARE WHO YOU ARE! YOU MUSTN'T HIT SOMEONE WHO CAN'T DEFEND THEMSELVES!
Victoria gasped loudly, pulling against the tight grip as her face turned bright red with shock and indignation.
Victoria: DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?!
Daisy: I know you're an abuser, and you're not touching her!
Victoria: Release me this instant, you disgraceful servant!
Daisy: Not until you take three steps back from Mrs. Eleanor!
Heavy footsteps echoed across the marble floor as Ethan, a distinguished man in a dark tuxedo, stepped into the ballroom and glared at the scene.
Ethan: LET HER GO. YOUR BUSINESS IS DONE.
Victoria froze in place, dropping her arm as she turned toward him with a startled and hurt expression.
Victoria: ETHAN?!
Ethan: SHE WAS ONLY PROTECTING MY MOTHER. CALL 911 RIGHT NOW!
Victoria took a quick breath, her mouth opening in panic as she realized her cruel actions were about to expose a secret she had hidden for years.